Rotary Valve Shaft Locking for Secure Maintenance Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves lack a cost-effective and secure method to fix the closing member in a specific position, risking contamination and product loss during maintenance, especially when removing pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A disc valve design with a shaft and adjusting device that includes a passage for a securing body, which aligns with housing openings to prevent loosening, and an intermediate shaft for secure coupling, using a screw connection and positive locking elements to prevent unintentional actuation, and employing a U-lock or bolt for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve locking mechanism is added to fix the closing member in position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a locking element with a shaft section, a retaining element that passes through openings, and a connection to the closing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the retaining element that passes through openings in the locking element and connects to the closing member. Once assembled, the geometry of the openings and retaining element creates a self-locking arrangement that maintains valve position without requiring additional active components or continuous energy input.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separable components (locking element, retaining element, openings) that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. This segmentation enables cost-effective production through modular manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element and retaining element are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured from common materials. The design prioritizes functional reliability over material prestige, using straightforward geometries that are economical to produce and replace if needed.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the locking shaft, contains the openings for the retaining element, and connects to the closing member. This merging reduces the number of separate parts the operator must handle while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to serve multiple purposes: securing the valve in position, preventing contamination during maintenance, and providing a simple visual indication of locked status through the alignment of openings. This multi-functionality simplifies operation by consolidating several needs into one mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (110; 210) having a closing member (112; 212), which can be brought from a closing position into an open position by a rotary movement about an axis of rotation (Q) situated transversely with respect to a through-flow direction (L), having a shaft (114; 214), which is connected to the closing member (112; 212) and which comprises a shaft end (116; 216), having a valve housing (118; 218), and having an adjusting device (120; 220), which has an adjusting device housing (112; 222) and comprises a receptacle (126; 226) in which the shaft end (116; 216) is able to be received. In order to be able to fix the valve in a switching position, it is proposed that a shaft portion comprises a passage (128; 218) which can be made congruent with two housing-side openings (138; 238), and the passage (128; 228) and openings (158; 258) can be traversed by a securing body (130; 230), and the connection of shaft (114; 214) and shaft portion is secured against release when the passage (128; 218) and openings (158; 258) are congruent.